Everyone drools occasionally, but some people experience it more often. There are a few reasons why:
- Sleeping position: Lying on your stomach or side can make drooling more likely. When the mouth tilts downward, gravity pulls saliva outward.
- Nasal congestion: When your nose is blocked, your body naturally shifts to mouth breathing, which lets saliva escape more easily.
- Certain medications or health conditions: Drugs that affect muscle coordination or saliva production—like some allergy or neurological medications—can increase nighttime drooling.
- Dental or jaw issues: Ill-fitting dentures, misaligned teeth, or jaw tension can disrupt how your mouth handles saliva while you sleep.
- Lifestyle habits: Smoking or drinking alcohol before bed can alter saliva production and muscle relaxation, making drooling more likely.
- Diet and hydration: Spicy, salty, or overly sweet foods before bed can stimulate extra saliva. On the other hand, dehydration thickens saliva, making it harder to swallow and more likely to leak.
Even stress plays a role. High stress levels can disrupt sleep patterns and cause inconsistent muscle relaxation, indirectly increasing drooling on restless nights.
